The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Some animals have a large population, such as the black bear. We are going to tell you about a smaller creature that is not seen as often. Simply read on to find out more. Here is a list of 4 fun facts about the Indiana bat in the Smoky Mountains:
1. Physical Features
The Indiana bat is 4 inches long with a wingspan of 9 to 11 inches. While the fur along their backs can be gray or light brown, they have a white underside. Indiana bats also have a pink nose and lips. A more distinct feature is their heel spur (also known as a strongly keeled calcar). This is a spur of cartilage that sits between the bat’s hind legs. This characteristic is important because it helps them fly.
2. Big Eaters
While the Indiana bat may be a small creature, they eat a lot. Indiana bats are nocturnal and can eat up to 3,000 insects in a single night. That’s almost half their body weight! They feed on beetles, moths, and mosquitoes. How do the bats find their food? They use echolocation. Indiana bats emit high-pitched sounds to detect the echo of insect wings. You won’t be able to hear them. Indiana bats help the areas they inhabit by acting as a natural pest control.
3. Social Animals
Indiana bats are very social creatures. They hibernate in clusters of up to 500 bats per square foot. Mating season takes place in autumn. The females will hibernate in maternity colonies and give birth to their pups in the spring. One female gives birth to one offspring each year. The babies are born without fur and weigh only 0.1 oz. They learn to fly within one month of birth.
4. Where to Find Them
Seeing an Indiana bat is very rare in the Smokies. In fact, they are classified as an endangered species. You can try to find one when you look in Blowhole Cave. This is a feature on the Rainbow Cave Falls Trail. This is an unmarked trail that is considered a hidden gem in the national park. When visitors are unable to go into Blowhole Cave, they can still peer inside. Maybe you’ll have the exciting opportunity to see a bat! Rainbow Cave Falls is a 40-foot waterfall that flows into a cave. You can’t see where it ends because it goes underground.
Because the Rainbow Cave Falls Trail is unmarked, we strongly recommend that you hike in a group. There will be more people to help you find the way. It is also an opportunity to make great memories with your loved ones. As for other hiking tips, be sure to wear sturdy shoes and stay hydrated. Bring your camera for some stunning photos!
More Rare Animals in the Smoky Mountains
We hope you enjoyed learning about Indiana bats in the Smoky Mountains. Want to learn more about rare animals in the national park? Read all about flying squirrels!
